Otis, OR – On November 7, 2024, The B’nai B’rith (BB) Camp’s old Day Camp structure came down to pave the way for a new, state-of-the-art, Day Camp Center.
With the help of individual donors and a grant from the Oregon Department of Justice, the BB Day Camp Center will support year-round camp activities in three community rooms, surrounding a semi-enclosed courtyard for outdoor activities.
Located close to the northside playground, the pool, and beautiful Devils Lake, the BB Day Camp facility will serve a total of sixty campers at any one time. The new BB Day Camp Center is scheduled to open in late spring, ready to welcome campers in the summer of 2025.
In 2006, BB Camp’s Chief Executive Officer, Michelle Koplan, observed children spending time in the game room of a local casino. Realizing they were there due to a lack of alternative activities while their parents worked, she quickly took action. She reached out to explore the possibility of launching a summer day camp at BB Camp’s residential site to provide a supportive environment for these children. This initiative led to the establishment of BB Day Camp, a non-sectarian day camp designed to serve the community during the summer months.
Since then, BB Camp has offered a safe and enriching day camp experience to more than 5,000 local children. Each weekday, day campers enjoy nutritious breakfast, lunch, and two snacks while participating alongside resident campers in a wide range of BB Camp’s activities. BB Day Camp has positively impacted an entire generation of local children and has significantly enhanced the reputation and presence of BB Camp within the Lincoln County community.
“What began as a humble effort to ensure our local children had a safe space to spend their
summers, has now expanded into a meaningful and important program for the community.
Building a designated Day Camp Center will help us to meet our mission and continue to make a significant impact in the community. I’m incredibly proud of what our program has become for so many,” shared Michelle Koplan, chief executive officer.
The new BB Day Camp Center is a dedicated space for Lincoln County youth who benefit from BB Camp’s day camp programs, not just in the summer but for expanded year round programs that promote personal growth and achievement. With three multi-purpose rooms and a courtyard for outdoor activities, the new Day Camp Center will provide opportunities for character development, building self-confidence, and providing opportunities to enhance social and life skills for children throughout Lincoln County.
